Donald Amsler Elder, 90, of Emlenton passed away peacefully at his home Monday.

Born June 19, 1922, in St. Petersburg, he was the son of Ira M. Elder and Eva M. Amsler Elder.

Donald graduated from St. Petersburg High School.

Donald served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a signalman on the tanker SS Bandelier.

Donald was married to Elsie Anna Coulter on July 24, 1952, in the East Unity Church and she survives.

Donald was employed at the Quaker State Oil Refinery research lab in Emlenton and retired after 34 years.

Donald was a member of the East Unity Church.

He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Donald enjoyed gardening, wood working and the outdoors. As a former member of the National Rhododendron Society, he cultivated many unique and beautiful varieties of rhododendron and mountain laurel.

Surviving in addition to his wife are three sons, Timothy Elder and his wife, Sheila, of Emlenton, Douglas Elder and his wife, Janet, of Emlenton and Joel Elder and his wife, Brenda, of Somerset; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and a sister, Sarah Ellen Whitling of Knox.

ELDER — The family of Donald Amsler Elder, who passed away Monday, July 9, 2012, will receive friends at the Larry E. McKinley Funeral Home, 109 Emlenton St., Clintonville, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home with Dr. Paul Schaefer, pastor of the East Unity Church, officiating.Friends may leave condolences by visiting www.mckinleyfuneralhome.net.